Cosmetology at Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, NC · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 3,255 students in Sanford, NC.

Program Analysis

Central Carolina Community College Cosmetology graduates command $24,101/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 39% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 102.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #10 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs nationally, Central Carolina Community College sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $25,851 are relatively flat compared to the $24,101 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
56
Low End
59
Score
59
High End
Earnings $24,101/yr (39% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$261K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
102.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,554
Out-of-state: $8,698
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,851
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Personal service managers, all other $61,340 +6.5% 48%
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance $50,280 +8.1% 66%
First-line supervisors of personal service workers $47,080 +6.7% 59%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Carolina Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Central Carolina Community College?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Cosmetology graduates.
What makes Central Carolina Community College's Cosmetology program stand out?
Ranked #10 of 1,095 programs nationally, Central Carolina Community College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Central Carolina Community College?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Central Carolina Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Central Carolina Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →